When Putin looks in the mirror, what does he see? Not an aggressor as so many are depicting him in the West, but rather a defender of a wounded and misunderstood nation.
China’s aspirations of global dominance will hit a snag given the world’s other major powers identify democratic values as central to their national identies. Only China and Russia do not. Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing in June 2018.
(AP Photo/Dake Kang)
New research suggests the values and identities of the world’s great powers present a major barrier to China’s aspirations of global domination. Do not bet on China’s hegemonic prospects just yet.
One historic handshake in Helsinki.
AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais
Not only does U.S. law bar price-fixing, there are bipartisan efforts underway to make it possible to sue OPEC members in American courts for antitrust violations.
Trump and Putin shake hands at the conclusion of their joint news conference.
AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais
US President Donald Trump’s attacks on allies and conciliatory actions toward Russia have made European leaders feel more vulnerable than ever.
Russian President Vladimir Putin is all smiles with Croatian President Kolinda Grabar-Kitarovic before Sunday’s World Cup final in Moscow.
Alexei Nikolsky/Sputnik/EPA
Even if Asia buys most of the natural gas the U.S. will be exporting soon, America’s growing role in that market could wind up reducing Russia’s political influence in Europe.
Putin and Trump bond in November 2017.
AP Photo/Hau Dinh
Madeleine De Gabriele, The Conversation; Phoebe Roth, The Conversation, dan Justin Bergman, The Conversation
The value of sport
The Conversation45,1 MB(download)
As we reach the World Cup's halfway point, we're asking: what is sport worth? On today's episode, we explore the money and diplomatic power plays lingering behind the scenes of every big tournament.
In the US, smiling is a reflexive gesture of goodwill, but Russians view it as a sign of stupidity. Social psychology research could help explain this cultural contrast.
Morocco will be going home after coming last in their group in Russia.
Martin Divisek/EPA